Djokovic's 2026 start: 'I've proven to myself & others, why not keep going?'

Match Preview

Djokovic's 2026 start: 'I've proven to myself & others, why not keep going?'

Serbian has won Indian Wells trophy five times

ATP Tour

Novak Djokovic will face Kamil Majchrzak or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his Indian Wells opening match. By ATP Staff

Novak Djokovic arrives at the BNP Paribas Open ready to compete for the first time since his run to the Australian Open final. The Serbian’s fortnight Down Under reaffirmed his belief that he remains a force on the sport’s biggest stages, and against his younger rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

In Melbourne, Djokovic dispatched two-time defending champion Sinner in five sets before falling to World No. 1 Alcaraz in the championship match. The 38-year-old could rematch Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semi-finals should the seeds hold.

“That was an amazing start of the year for me,” Djokovic said during his pre-tournament press conference. “Considering that I haven't been able to reach [a major final] since Wimbledon 2024, and lost to either Sinner or Alcaraz at all of the Slams last year, it was just an incredible feeling to be able to beat Sinner in five sets in one of the [most] epic matches that I played in recent times in Australia. And then, having another great match with Carlos, who was just too good in the end.

"For me, that has been a phenomenal result. I have proven to myself primarily, and to others, that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys. So my logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and also motivation to do that.”

Making his 17th appearance in Indian Wells, the five-time champion Djokovic is aiming to break his tie with Roger Federer for most titles in tournament history.

“I have had a fair amount of success in this tournament,” said Djokovic, who boasts a 51-11 tournament record, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “It has always been one of my favourite tournaments to visit. With the great weather, facilities, location and proximity to L.A. — one of the best cities to visit — and the history of the event. It’s really a Tennis Paradise here, so rightfully named that way.”

Djokovic, seeded third, will begin his tournament against Pole Kamil Majchrzak or hefty-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The winner of 101 tour-level titles and record holder of 428 weeks spent as World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Djokovic is excited for another opportunity.

“I really enjoy the thrill of competition. I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and really being competitive,” Djokovic said. “Still No. 3 of the world, so I don't think it's too bad, in terms of the ranking and results and performances. I still have that edge and I'll keep on going as long as I feel like it.”

Click here to read article